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Maria Dismondy
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Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are Paperback – Picture Book, August 1, 2008

by Maria Dismondy (Author), Kim Shaw (Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,991 ratings
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Lucy has big hair, eats fun foods and is teased by a boy named Ralph at school because she is different. She tries to be brave but she wishes the teasing would stop. What should I do? she asks herself over and over. 

Lucy’s Papa Gino reminds her to do the right thing and treat people with kindness. So when Ralph gets stuck on the playground and needs help, will Lucy use this chance to teach Ralph a lesson? Or will she have the courage to be true to herself and make the right choice with an act of kindness?

Readers of all ages can empathize with Lucy’s brave journey as she sets out to rise above Ralph’s mean words, stay true to herself and build her self-esteem every step of the way.

This book comes with a free Reader’s Companion, complete with discussion questions, lesson plans and activities for children to go beyond the book. Download your copy direct from the publisher website.

The best book for teaching kindness and confronting bullying.

Spaghetti in a Hotdog Bun is perhaps the most beloved book by award-winning author Maria Dismondy. It carries the key message of love, courage and positivity supported by the many advocates of positive parenting solutions. It will sit comfortably on your shelf alongside other books that focus on emotions, confidence and bullying. Like the work of Adir Levy (What Would Danny Do?) and Jacquelyn Stagg (Kindness Starts with You). 

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 7 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 5
  5. Lexile measure
    610L
  6. Dimensions
    9 x 0.1 x 9 inches
  7. Publisher
    Cardinal Rule Press
  8. Publication date
    August 1, 2008
  9. ISBN-10
    0615473938
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0615473932
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

Why Read Books By Cardinal Rule Press?

- Softcover options on all titles to provide a cheaper option for families.

- Full-color illustrations.

- Realistic Fiction allows children to see themselves within the pages of the book.

- Inclusive books that have children and families of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities.

Raising kids? Teaching children? Looking for a gift? Use this book...

Spaghetti

Character Traits

Each of our books highlights positive character traits that children need in their social toolbox to engage in healthy friendships and solve challenging problems that arise through out childhood.

Go Beyond the Book!

Our books have questions to ask before, during and after reading the book right on the copyright page. Adults reading these books will easily be able to have engaging conversations with children about the book!

Much More!

Educators across the country have purchased our books and created supplemental teaching materials that are free online. Search the title of our books on Pinterest or in your search engine. Our books can be used to teach National Standards.

What people are saying about books by Cardinal Rule Press....

Dazzling Travis

Cookie & Milk

Chocolate Milk, Por Favor

The Jelly Donut Difference

Dazzling Travis

"Inspired by the true story a boy struggling to fit in at school, the book’s rhymes and colorful illustrations, along with a handful of mini biographies of famous iconoclasts, encourage children to embrace uniqueness and diversity. Guided questions and tips for reading make this an excellent choice for classroom use." —Foreword Reviews

Cookie & Milk

"Gibson's simple, cartoon illustrations playfully remind girls that there are universal commonalities in sisterhood. Smart, sassy, supportive girl power to the max!" —Kirkus

Chocolate Milk, Por Favor

"Gabe's classmates learn how to communicate with him through sports, food, and play. Research shows that reading comprehension in ELL students gets a boost when kids are exposed to culturally relevant books." —NPR

The Jelly Donut Difference

"This earnest story of being a good sibling, neighbor, and friend may inspire readers to find ways to be generous in their own lives." —Publisher's Weekly

Historical Background

Cardinal Rule Press

Started in 2015, Maria Dismondy began the company out of a desire to make an impact on children in the world. Working out of her home (while raising her babies) in a suburb outside of Detroit, Maria built the company from the ground up, seeking to empower children through quality picture books.

Today, Maria continues to honor the mission of the company, to share stories that are timeless, realistic and leave children with strategies they can use in their very own social tool box. Kindness, empathy and integrity were the foundation for Cardinal Rule Press when it began and continue to be as the company grows.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"What a wonderful book for children of all ages to learn how to treat others with respect and accept differences! " -Melissa Parrish

From the Author

Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun empowers children to be who they are, despite what others say.

Other themes that are included in this book: Courage, Friendship, Bullying, Self-Esteem and Kindness

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cardinal Rule Press; Reprint edition (August 1, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0615473938
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0615473932
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 610L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 5
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 0.1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,991 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Maria Dismondy

Maria Dismondy

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Maria Dismondy was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. She is the author of eight award-winning children's books, including bestsellers on amazon.

Maria's experiences have shaped her into an individual who lives life to the fullest, appreciating what she has and one who uses her passion to make a difference. She is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children through children's literature.

Maria is a dynamic speaker who in one month alone, spoke to almost 20,000 children at local elementary schools and other venues. She speaks on a number of empowering topics such as bullying, building character and reading and writing for young authors.

She continues to write books and blogs regularly. Find out more about Maria on her website at www.MariaDismondy.com or publishing website www.CardinalRulePress.com

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
3,991 global ratings
Love it!!!!
5 Stars
Love it!!!!
Absolutely love it! My children are 5 and 6, and have totally experienced kids saying mean things. They really enjoyed this book. It's short and sweet. It has a great lesson. I will recommend this book to my kids's teachers. We will be reading this one a lot more times. I love how the girl has big and pretty hair!
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Top reviews from the United States

Daisy
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect addition to our child library
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
The perfect book for children of all ages/ I ordered this to help deal with a new teasing issue at preschool and it was the perfect fit. The content is fun and lighthearted while still touching on the subject of responding properly in a school setting. I would recommend this to anyone with children and have already suggested it to my close friends. The illustrations are beautiful and unique. The main character is a young girl who lives with her grandfather, there is no shaming or hostile discussion of bullying/bullies and it also covers a child's fear to tell a caregiver about these problems. On top of all that, it's just a really fun story. Enjoy!
7 people found this helpful
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mom2je
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book with a wonderful message!
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2011
Verified Purchase
I bought this book for my daughter based on the title and the cover, two things that can be dangerous! I was intrigued to read the book about having courage to be yourself, and the illustration of the cover is my daughter's curly, crazy locks to a T!

I am so glad I bought this book! The message of standing up for who you are and helping others, even when they are mean to you is so important for kids to learn, and it's something my daughter deals with regularly. The illustrations are fantastic, and the story is great! I can't wait to give this to my daughter for her (7th) birthday. She is going to love it!
3 people found this helpful
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Visa
5.0 out of 5 stars Kindness and diversity
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2021
Verified Purchase
The attractive and bright illustrations get your attention and then the story line is a good lesson in kindness and diversity. A good choice.
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Theresa Casper
5.0 out of 5 stars Story about acceptance
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
I love reading this story at the beginning of the year to teach acceptance. A lot of discussion, and I found a great teaching unit.
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Alex wightman
4.0 out of 5 stars like the moral of the story
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2017
Verified Purchase
Cute book, like the moral of the story. Good way to let kids know it's okay to be themselves. The problem is it's a hardback book and didn't come with a slip cover. Never have received or bought a hardback without one. I returned it through Amazon explaining exactly why I was returning it and did an exchange. New book arrived promptly which was great but once again without a cover. Going to keep it anyways since we like the book itself and also, I just don't feel like doing another return to the post office.
One person found this helpful
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Nicole
5.0 out of 5 stars Good lesson.
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
My son is entering first grade and I decided that over the summer with less of a schedule, we needed to end the summer with some behavioral books so we start first grade on the right foot.
This book taught him, to always be kind, even when others are not and that everyone likes different things, there is no right and wrong when it comes to that.
I personally thought the story was really good!
12 people found this helpful
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Jena Ball
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best ways to do this is through stories that evoke ...
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2015
Verified Purchase
I spend a lot of time with young children who can be cruel to those who are "different." At the same time, they have an immense capacity for empathy and kindness. One of the best ways to do this is through stories that evoke and model kind behavior. What I liked about Maria's story is that her main character is different in the ordinary, everyday ways that everyone is different. The book and sweet illustrations are a charming way to start a conversation about being different and how to handle those who have not yet learned to be kind. These are lessons all children need to learn, along with traditional intellectual skills such as reading, writing and math. Plus, Lucy's love of ketchup and spaghetti in a hot dog bun reminded me of my brother, who loved peanut butter and mustard sandwiches on white bread. He too was teased, but learned to overcome it with humor.
30 people found this helpful
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Maria Braga
5.0 out of 5 stars One of our favorite books! Deals with bullying and self-acceptance
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
My four year old daughter and I love this book! First of all, the main character has curly hair and shows you that everyone doesn't have to be the same. It addresses issues of self-acceptance and bullying, including who to talk to when being bullied. What I also appreciate is that the main character shows compassion to her bully and causes him to change his ways. Overall, a great read.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Sneha T
2.0 out of 5 stars Book arrived in terrible condition - after reordering as well.
Reviewed in India on April 24, 2022
Verified Purchase
The book itself is thin and one feels bad paying 700 bucks. But, leaving that aside - receiving bent books with frayed edges and torn pages is unacceptable. Returned once, repeated. So gave up and searched for other titles.
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KendraS
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
Lovely book that teaches the value of diversity. Not only is it about food, but the girls adult is her grandpa. Great for children who do not love with a parent.
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Samba23
5.0 out of 5 stars Otima mensagem e desenhos otimos
Reviewed in Brazil on October 6, 2019
Verified Purchase
Boa qualidade. Otima mensagem para criancas.
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Cliente de Amazon
2.0 out of 5 stars Titulo mal escogido
Reviewed in Mexico on June 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
La historia no trata de nada relacionado con el titulo del libro, por lo que quedaron un poquito decepcionadas las.
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Deborah L Leighty
4.0 out of 5 stars Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
Reviewed in France on September 23, 2016
Verified Purchase
It's a good book for small children, but it is a little too politically correct for my tastes. That being said, my daughter loved it.
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